Tulsa, Oklahoma is at the center of a significant debate as an Oklahoma bill aims to prohibit the use of 11 food dyes and additives. These include Red-40, a commonly found ingredient in many popular snacks and drinks. The story first came to light when 2 News was tagged in a TikTok by a Tulsa small business owner. While grocery shopping, one might not typically examine the ingredients of every item purchased. If Senate Bill 4 is approved starting from November 1, 2025, these ingredients could potentially lead to certain foods being removed from Oklahoma's shelves.

Support for the Bill and Its Impact

Paden Ferguson, the owner of Padiano's Kitchen, believes it's crucial to know exactly what's in one's food. His products utilize natural food dyes, and he supports the bill for that reason. He acknowledges that consumers often make purchasing decisions based on visual appearance but emphasizes that there are ways to overcome this. However, switching to natural food dyes comes at a cost. Ferguson estimates that if he were to use dyes like Red-40, he could save 17%. He explains, "The biggest difference and honestly it will be like this for a little while is the cost. Once again, this beetroot powder is way more expensive than if we were to use a Red-40."

The Ban and Its Implications

The bill not only prohibits the sale, distribution, and production of items containing these dyes and additives but also poses challenges for manufacturers. Ferguson warns that if companies change ingredients, they may end up with a different color hue. He emphasizes the need for a grace period, stating, "I said there needs to be a grace period. Because when somebody comes and sees this on the shelf they're used to seeing bright red, instead of a light pink." As the bill makes its way through the legislature, the affected items will remain on the shelves for now.

FDA's Role and Certification

The Food and Drug Administration plays a crucial role in this matter. They certify food dyes and will not approve color additives that are found to cause cancer. This adds another layer of significance to the bill as it aims to ensure the safety of food products. The 11 dyes and additives covered by the bill are as follows:1. Blue dye 12. Blue dye 23. Brominated vegetable oil4. Green dye 35. Potassium bromate6. Propylparaben7. Red dye 38. Red dye 409. Titanium dioxide10. Yellow dye 511. Yellow dye 6.These substances have long been a part of the food industry, but the bill seeks to make a significant change and protect consumers' health.